Home to everything eclectic, artistic and fashion-forward, Wicker Park may not be a burgeoning gay neighborhood by definition, but it's naturally welcoming to a diverse population.Īs one of the most popular Chicago neighborhoods, Wicker Park is lined with trendy coffee shops, hip boutique shopping and some of the city's best dining options. Wicker ParkĬity of Chicago Photo Courtesy of Choose Chicago Pilsen is minutes away from the Loop and a short transit or bike ride away from Greektown, Wicker Park and Little Italy. As one of the most historic areas in the city, Pilsen has gone through several renaissances over the years and is currently home to a large Latino population.Īt one time, it was also home to the only gay Latino teen radio show in the nation. Located on the South Side, Pilsen has a laid-back vibe and generally, pretty affordable Chicago apartments. Edgewater also has the Edgewater Theater District, a group of 22 local theaters that put on more than a thousand performances annually. Locals call it Hollywood Beach but it's officially named after Kathy Osterman since she was a Chicago politician who championed and fought for gay rights in the 1980s. They're close to Lake Michigan and home to lots of smaller restaurants serving a wide range of world cuisines, whether it's Ethiopian, Thai or Vietnamese.Ĭlubs like Le Nocturne, which feature Queer Fridays, weekly entertainment that includes drag queens to DJs and health centers including Howard Brown Health, which provide health services to the LGBTQ community and its allies, help residents feel at home in Uptown.Īnd if you're looking for a gay-friendly beach in Chicago, it would have to be Kathy Osterman Beach in Edgewater. Uptown, and Edgewater to its north, are great options for those who want more budget-friendly rent options but still live near Northalsted or Andersonville. If Northalsted street is better known as Boystown, Andersonville is known for its large lesbian population, but the area welcomes all members of the LGBTQ community.Īmong one of the most popular spots along busy Clark Street is Women and Children First, a massive independent book shop well-stocked with feminist and kid books and currently owned by two self-proclaimed intersectional, trans-inclusive feminists. Located on the north side of the city, Andersonville is a quaint neighborhood with tree-lined streets and a quiet vibe. AndersonvilleĬredit: Abel Arciniega Photo Courtesy of Choose Chicago Unfortunately, this neighborhood can be a bit pricey due to all the amenities, but if it's in your budget, it's worth it as you're within walking distance of great entertainment and dining, as well as near the Lakefront path. It's also home to a dense population of the city's most LGBTQ-friendly nightclubs and bars. You feel and see the rainbow pride all around you as you step into the area, starting with the street signs down Halsted Street decorated in colorful, rainbow hues. Hundreds of thousands descend upon this neighborhood for its annual Pride Parade, which it began hosting in 1971, and Market Days, a large two-day street festival. The area in the East Lakeview neighborhood is the largest Chicago gay neighborhood and the first officially-recognized gay village in the United States.
The Boystown name was secured in the '90s thanks to a weekly column called “Boys Town," which ran in the gay newspaper Outlines, according to a WBEZ piece on the neighborhood. Truth be told, it'll likely be called Boystown for the foreseeable future as some residents don't feel the new name really makes sense.
Until September 2020, Northalsted was more commonly known as Boystown and situated around Halsted from Belmont Avenue to Grace Street. If you're LGBTQ and looking for an apartment, consider one of these gay-friendly Chicago neighborhoods.
The state even has an LGBT Chamber of Commerce to help a business become certified as a diverse supplier or find a supplier. Some of the best Chicago neighborhoods for gay people boast sprawling green spaces, lakefront access, a thriving food and drink culture and a welcoming environment. The Windy City is also home to a large LGBTQ+ population.Ĭhicago hosts gay-oriented events and festivals and has an unbelievable nightlife geared toward LGBTQ culture. Chicago is home to the Willis (Sears) Tower, Magnificent Mile shopping, mouth-watering deep dish pizza and more than 30 miles of lakefront paths.